Europe’s breakout star of 2025, Marco Penge, has touched down at Yas Links Abu Dhabi for the 20th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as the only three-time winner on the DP World Tour this season – and primed to challenge Rory McIlroy for the Race to Dubai crown.
The Englishman has produced a career-defining 12 months, climbing to second in the Race to Dubai Rankings behind the reigning Masters Champion and setting up a blockbuster start to the DP World Tour Play-Offs.
What a year
It marks a remarkable rise for Penge, who finished his rookie campaign in 2024 ranked 110th – just five spots from losing his card. He famously saved his season with a clutch birdie on the 18th at the Genesis Championship to make the cut and retain his playing privileges. Fast-forward a year, and he arrives in Abu Dhabi with three titles to his name and a shot at becoming Europe’s No.1.
“I’ve always believed in my ability,” said Penge, making his debut at the penultimate Rolex Series event of the season. “It might look like I came out of nowhere, but every tour I’ve played, I’ve kicked on in my second year.”
Penge’s victories came at the Hainan Classic (April), Danish Golf Championship (August) and the Open de España presented by Madrid (October), where he edged Dan Brown in a play-off to secure spots at the 2026 Masters Tournament and The 154th Open.
Playing both Tours
Now, dual PGA TOUR membership beckons – but first, he has his sights on dethroning McIlroy. Just 441.32 pointsseparate the pair, with 9,000 Race to Dubai points on offer this week and 12,000 at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.
Penge will play alongside McIlroy for the first time on Thursday.
“I’ll have some adrenaline – I’m playing with one of the best in the world,” he said. “But I usually play my best when I feel like that. It’s nothing to be scared of. I just want to enjoy the moment.”
Tickets & Fan Experiences
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General admission: Free on Thursday and Friday
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Weekend tickets: From AED 100
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Bar on Nine (Ticket+): From AED 230 including a AED 100 F&B voucher
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Championship Chalet – Premium Hospitality on 18: From AED 1,680 with five-star dining and air-conditioned viewing overlooking the final hole
